Hi Kathy --
I always was taught that pregnant moms had to worry about dental hygiene for
2 reasons: 1) that the increased blood volume brought vessels closer to the
surface, where there could result bleeding gums, etc (like when they get freq
nosebleeds) and 2) that the need for treatment for dental problems would be
lessened with vigilant care
However, in my maternity book, it does state that "during the first
trimester, under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, the tissues in
the mouth become hyperemic. Higher hormonal levels may be related to greater
gingival reactions to irritants in dental plaque". Also, the estrogen effects
can cause the gums to be more friable, and to bleed more easily. Peridontal
disease may be more accelerated durign pregnancy, contributing to tooth
decay. Patients with bleeding gums should be referred for dental care. these
conditions persist throughout pregnancy as well due to the high circulating
levels of hormones.
Pregnant women are also subject to nausea and vomiting which can contribute
to dental problems (such as seen in bulemia as well) -- the excessive
exposure of the teeth to stomach acids can be a problem to enamel of teeth.
Pregnant women in the first trimester also may experience ptyalism or
excessive saliva production. (I wonder if this is a protective mechanism to
counteract the other two???)
References:
Sherwen, Scoloveno & Weingarten. (1995). Nursing Care of the Childbearing
Family. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange
Chengar, P., & Kovacik, A. (1987). Dental hygiene during pregnancy.: A
review. MCN, 12, 342-343.
I do not see any reference to this condition persisting in the post partum
period.....but, with lactation, the levels of estrogen and progesterone
decrease, otherwise, the prohibitory effect on prolactin would suppress milk
production.
Kathy Rubin in NJ
IBCLC, RN, BC (Maternal/Infant), APN, C (Family Nurse Practitioner)
PhD student hopng to study lactation issues someday
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